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Add a Gift CardPoipu: Winter Season Kayaking Tour at a Glance…
| Price: | $215 per Person |
| Tour Time(s): |
Offered December thru March:
Wednesday: 7:00 a.m. Saturday: 7:00 a.m. *Custom tours available with 5 or more guests |
| Fitness Level: |
Challenging Adventure: This tour can be a workout. Participants should be comfortable in the water and in good physical condition.
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| Rough Water: |
Rough Water: We’ll paddle “down-wind” but expect rough seas and current for the entire trip. If you’re prone to sea-sickness we’d suggest a river-based kayaking tour.
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| Duration (6 HRS.): |
Full-Day Adventure: This tour involves three to four hours of intermittent paddling in addition to the travel time to and from our Wailua location.
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| Distance: | 9 miles |
| Restrictions: | Sea kayak tours are limited to participants 16 and older. Exceptions may be made with approval from our Head Guide. Younger adventurers are welcome to join us on one of our family-friendly river tours. |
Ocean Kayaking View More
Poipu: Winter Season Kayaking
Turtles, dolphins, and, if we’re lucky, humpback whales
Embark on a breathtaking winter adventure along Kauai’s sunny south shore, where dramatic vistas and open seas set the stage for an unforgettable paddling experience. Departing from Koloa Landing, you’ll follow the historic canoe paths once traveled by early Polynesians and whaling captains, navigating along a rugged and scenic coastline.
Highlights include Spouting Horn and the remote Lawai Valley, with opportunities to encounter Kauai’s diverse marine life. Winter is the season for humpback whales, as these gentle giants make their long migration from Alaska to the warm Hawaiian waters for a season of birthing and frolicking. While sightings are never guaranteed, glimpsing a breaching whale can become the highlight of the journey. Even without them, the tour remains a panoramic, challenging, and rewarding open-ocean paddle.
Along the way, you may spot spinner dolphins dancing through the waves, green sea turtles drifting by, or even the rare Hawaiian monk seal resting on a sunny shore. Overhead, seabirds such as boobies, frigatebirds, and tropicbirds complete this vibrant coastal experience.
When conditions are favorable, snorkeling adds another layer of adventure, offering a glimpse into the colorful marine world just beneath the surface. This challenging yet rewarding experience is perfect for active couples, hardy families, or adventurers seeking a deeper connection with Kauai’s wild coastal beauty.
This winter-only tour blends rich natural encounters, cultural history, and stunning ocean views, promising a unique and invigorating day on the water.
Detailed Tour Info…
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What’s Included?
- Transportation from Wailua Marina and back
- State certified guide(s). CPR, First-Aid, and Water Safety.
- Double sit-on-top kayak with foot-controlled rudder
- Personal Flotation Devices (life preservers)
- Snorkeling equipment
- Water-resistant bags
- Deli lunch + chips, tropical fruit and cookies
- Variety of tropical juices and flavored sparkling waters
What to Bring?
- Sun protection
- Light, long-sleeve shirt
- Footwear: aqua, or tennis shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty and wet. No flip flops.
- A water bottle (or two) to fill up at our purified water station — we also have reusable water bottles for sale
- Waterproof camera
- Towel and change of dry clothes (leave in vehicle for your return)
Frequently Asked Questions
How challenging is this tour?
This is a challenging adventure, with intermittent paddling over nine miles of rugged coastline. Participants should be in good physical condition, comfortable in the water, and prepared for rough seas and currents.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
Sea kayak tours are limited to participants 16 and older. Exceptions may be made with approval from our Head Guide. Younger adventurers are welcome to join us on one of our family-friendly river tours.
What if I get seasick?
The tour involves paddling in open seas, which can be rough even with downwind travel. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking medication beforehand or opting for one of our river-based kayaking tours.
What kind of kayaks do we use?
We use double sit-on-top kayaks which are equipped with foot-controlled rudders — designed for stability and ease of use in rough waters. Each kayak can comfortably handle up to 500 pounds.
Do we snorkel on this tour?
If conditions allow, snorkeling is part of the experience. You’ll have the chance to explore vibrant marine life off one of Kauai’s pristine shores. Snorkeling gear is provided, so there’s no need to bring your own.
Can I meet at the staging area if I’m staying on the South Shore?
Yes, we can arrange to meet you at our Koloa Landing staging area. Just let us know in advance!
What happens if the weather changes?
Kauai’s weather can change quickly. If conditions become unsafe, our guides may adjust the route or end the tour early. Depending on progress made, there may be a slight discount, but safety always comes first.
Map / Location
Before You Sign Up
Cancellation Policy
We have a strict 24-hour cancellation policy. Parties of 6 or more required 48-hour cancellation. Inside of these windows there are no refunds.
Weather Cancellations
Cancellations made by Kayak Kauai due to inclement weather are 100% refundable.
Tours are Non-Refundable
If for any reason the paddle and/or snorkel portion is not accomplished by individuals (even if an individual is holding back a tour and is sent back by our guides), there is no refund.
Safety is First
Kauai weather can be mild or wild, and change quickly. If deteriorating conditions prevent us from safely reaching our destination, depending on progress made, there may be a slight discount.
You Might Not Get to Paddle with Your Partner
Occasionally, in the interest of safety or tour-timing, our guides will assign a stronger paddler to partner with a weaker paddler. We paddle as a team so everyone has a good time.
Maximum Weight Per Kayak
Our double kayaks can comfortably handle up to 500 pounds. If participants surpass this weight limit, we encourage a motor boat alternative.
